Life with Ebony Grace - our little miracle from China

Eighth update

2011-11-02T19:50:00.001+11:00

hmmmm - another long break between updates. I was way too relaxed while I was away and I barely got out the computer other than to Skype Gra and Mum. Our time away was so beautiful I can't even put it into words!...I am hoping to add a few photo's to this update. Kep is an amazing place in so many ways. There are beautiful green trees and mountains protruding out of the earth like the glasshouse mountains in QLD. The accommodation is what many would call basic, but for me it was perfect. Gorgeous little 'bungalows' set in amongst greenery. Not much of a view but the lovely cool more than made up for it. I woke early every morning (had a furry little friend similar to a squirrel appear at about 5.30am every day)....once I worked out what it was I wasn't worried so just got up and listened to my book, prayed or just 'was'. It was really lovely and refreshing....and only $40per night incl a yummy breakfast! The 2.5hr ride there and back wasn't bad either. I got to see many different sights around Cambodia from the comfort of an air conditioned car. Katrina desperately needed the break and the girls spent most of the time in the pool. We all got rather burnt because there is little shade around the pool ..... so we spent a lot of time IN it! I must say we saw some sights on the way....one of the most amazing was a guy on a motorbike with a block of ice that would have been about 2 metres wide and about 30cm square!...not to mention pigs and roosters/chickens by the dozens hanging from bikes!

When we arrived Katrina organised a Tuk Tuk to take us for a look around. We looked at the most amazing sunset...with a lovely cool breeze over us. We then took in some of the houses in the area....so many are derelict and have been since Pol Pot. Hard to believe. They would be so valuable if they were bought and done up. Right near the seaside in an area that will, undoubtedly, become a popular tourist location in years to come.....but so sad to see the devastation of the times.

We were all a bit sad to come home on Monday....but you can imagine our joy when we woke on Tuesday morning to the news that a beautiful baby girl had been born at 5.30am! Katrina called me when she arrived at the office and I packed up my daughter and my gear and we picked up Katrina and headed to the hospital. What a privilege to be able to photograph this precious new life. Her mum's story is so sad though. She lost twins at 6 months gestation, then she had a baby boy who she had to hand over when he was on 7 months because she couldn't provide for herself, let alone her son. Now she has the sweet little girl, but she is really struggling because she just wants her son back. (He is almost 3 now and in foster care). She feels she can't love this little girl, but of course Katrina is moving slowly with her but encouraging her in her love for her daughter.
I was able to take photographs when little "November" as she's called (born 1/11/11) was only 4.5 hours old! What an amazing opportunity for me.
Sadly the state of the hospitals there are disgusting to say the least. Katrina managed to move this mum from a room she shared with 8 other women - to a 2 bed room. Katrina had to use alcoholic wipes on all she could but she said she wouldn't even use the toilets there! I was aghast!...I said if I had one place that I would choose, if asked, to use a toilet in Asia - it would be a hospital....but NO definitely not :)
Another thing that really knocked me around was driving past the children's hospital and seeing the lines of families waiting out in the heat.....apparently for hours....to have their children treated. I wish I could have got my camera out in time....but sadly I couldn't. We really don't know how good we have it.
Tuesday afternoon I was called in to photograph another mum and her 4mo baby boy. Didn't go so well because the timing was very wrong for photography and the little man just cried and cried. Oh well, not to bad an average really!
Wednesday I stayed around home until I met Katrina for lunch (or should I say 'we')...then took Autumn and Eb to a place called 'Elsewhere' which has a pool that is free if you buy a drink or something there. The girls had fun for a few hours while I skyped with Gra and then planned to do some editing until I realised my battery on my computer was too low!
Katrina and Elijah and Josiah joined us for a while, then we took them all home, fed them, put them to bed and Katrina shouted me an hour massage ($10 per person except Katrina had 1 free voucher so it cost $5 per person)! She really needed it after a tough day and I just simply enjoyed it!

Today I decided to do the photographs of some t-shirts for a friend of Pauls who is partners in an organisation called 'Justees' which are t-shirts for justice. I'm doing it as a gift for their organisation...but it ended up taking me almost 2 hours! I should be editing :) Then met Kat for lunch again and then a quick trip to the Russian markets then Paul bought Eb and I home and here I am!

So - hopefully the photo's will appear...and hopefully I'll get to update again in a few days!

love as always xxx *I've just spent ages trying to download a photograph (1 of 28 I re-sized to put on here!) and it's taking forever so I'll have to do it when I get home xxx

Seventh update

2011-10-28T01:05:00.002+11:00

I'm so sorry this has taken so long.
It seems it's been such a busy few days...I can't believe it's actually 5 days since I updated.
Sunday I went to Church which was so lovely and refreshing. Some of the people staying out our Hotel came along after I told them about the Church which was lovely. It was a very special message actually...but that's for another day.
After Church we headed to meet Lee for some lunch and then Eb and I had a bit of downtime until our photoshoot that was scheduled for 3.30pm. Sadly things got a bit mucked up and mum and bub didn't arrive until closer to 4.30. Not their fault and we just had to work with the fading light. Still got some good shots thank the Lord.
Sunday night we went out for dinner at 'Friends' restaurant - another lovely story. It was quite special. Just Lee, Eb and I.
Monday we had couple of photo shoots in the morning and then we headed home for some editing...although we didn't get back until quite late. Monday night we went out to a 'Khmer' restaurant with the Gliddon family for Lee's last night. Mothers Heart gave Lee a beautiful 'lotus flower' embroidery that I know she will cherish.

Tuesday was Lee's day to head home. We all had to book out - but thankfully we had a morning to just relax before we checked out at midday. We met Katrina for lunch and then picked up the children from school and headed out to say goodbye.

I have so enjoyed my time with Lee, I was just a bit sad to see her leave...but happy that she was going home where she belongs with her family.

We came back home via a few stops and I unpacked and we settled in for the night.

Wednesday I decided I needed to just spend some time with Eb. We did meet Katrina for lunch, but basically had a very low key day.

Today I had to be up and at 'em ready to be in a tuk tuk with Eb by 7am for an early morning family photo shoot. I was nervous but excited. It went quite well. I then had a couple of things to do before I got a call from Katrina saying there was a baby to be photographed at the office! Off we went. Katrina and I went and purchased a few props....then had lunch and then back to the office. I was hoping NOT to do this one because the time of day made the lighting terrible and I needed to be in the right head space to do another personal photo shoot with a family at 3.30pm. It did all get done and over the next few days I have a LOT of editing to do.

We are heading to 'Kep', just Katrina, Autumn, Eb and I tomorrow and I feel so much like I just need the break. It is SO steamy and I'm having 2-3 showers a day if I can. Coping OK but still really feeling it. Mum and Tez you just could never consider it! it was ok in the Hotel, but here it is hard.

Eb seems to be settling in really well. Has her times of utter defiance - but mostly she's good. She loves time in the tuk tuk and she is having an absolute ball with the children.

The power seems to be going out almost every single day....and it can go out for hours at a time. Then it is extra hard.

Anyway - I hope to be able to do a bit more of a catch up from Kep. ....maybe even from around the pool. Oh my gosh - I would give almost anything to be able to jump in a cool pool at this very moment!
3 hours drive ahead in the morning...but it will be worth it.

Sadly - dentist on Monday :(

***Daddy we looked back through some photo's of you and Eb at Beechworth for Fathers Day last night and your little girl said 'I miss my daddy mummy'....melted my heart and I'm sure it will yours xxx

lots of love xxx

Sixth update

2011-10-22T21:00:00.000+11:00

Lovely, peaceful day today! Autumn stayed overnight. I woke at about 6am and Autumn woke about 6.30. Eb lasted antil after 7 which was great. Katrina arrived at about 11am and we headed to 'Bloom' ...a little oasis in CambodiaThere we enjoyed a morning together before Paul picked Katrina up and they headed off to have a dangerous moleremoved from Paul's chest. Bloom is an amazing cake shop that we wen to last time we were here for my birthday in 2010. They take womenfrom the street and teach them the skill of cake decorating....and boy what skill it is. They are extraordinarilytalented. Ruth, from Brisbane, who....along with her family have started Bloom has a heart to help these women. One of Katrina's 'girls' is now cleared of the Mothers Heart program and is actually a manager there! What a success story. We are photographing that girl and her daughter (who just turned 1) later today. Tez this is for you.....I asked Katrina about placing many women in the offices rather than outside in the community.This will be a bit long winded I think but Katrina's program is one of only 5 organisations in Cambodia that equip thewomen to go back into a community. Her feeling is very strongly that if she were to house them at the officesshe would become like an orphanage or 'home' for these mums. It doesn't teach them how to live normal life and itmeans that staff would need to be trained and paid to stay on site to care for them. She actually started out on thatroad - she even received funding - and then pulled out. The more research she does the more she sees her 'model'as being the right one for these women. She now has 5 women who have 'graduated' from her program and areliving normal lives in a community and working. How amazing is that? She is totally against orphanages and sees foster care as the way forward rather than having babies and children stuck in orphanages.I hope that all makes sense. I am starting to see how right her thinking is - I just needed to adjust my vision to meet hers and now I'm a total convert. Now for the rest of our day. Eb started to really show major signs of tiredness at Bloom so we grabbed the tuk tuk(lee, autumn, Eb and I) and we headed to do a couple of things for Lee then left Lee to do some shopping and we went in and I managed to get Eb a 2 hour....much needed sleep. We then went with the Gliddons, to theFCC for dinner. Gorgeous old place (Foreign Correspondence Club - for all the reporters many years ago to gettogether). It overlooks the river. We then went for a stroll along the river on a very warm and balmy evening. So that was our day off!Another day with photography tomorrow!All our love xxx

Fifth update

2011-10-21T21:00:00.000+11:00

Today we woke knowing that we had a whole morning free...and part of the afternoon. We didn't need to begin photographing until mid afternoon.

....then the phone rang and it was Katrina saying that the twins had arrived at the office!....quick change of plans. I so love what I'm doing, but I so needed this morning off. Poor Eb has been dragged out of bed every morning and I've had to tread very lightly with her to get her up, dressed, fed and ready. We started of well, but then I had to push her again. She really did well and now, at the office, she has developed a bit of a rapour with the staff and she seems to have a wonderful time with them. We arrived there, started to set up and then thought we needed a new location otherwise all the photo's would start to look the same. So we decided to take the twins back to our hotel. We all loaded into a tuk tuk and headed there. Sadly, I had trouble with my camera and couldn't work out what was wrong...but thankfully, later in the day Lee was able to help out. It did mean that I barely got 1 good photo of the twins....but the upside is that we are re-shooting them on Monday because they were just not up to the task this morning. Still not 100% well we don't think. The setting here at the hotel is so lovely, so the mum is meeting us here at about 9am on Monday and that should work well.....if it isn't raining.

When it rains here - it rains! it is raining as I type and it's so heavy.....so beautiful to listen to.

The afternoon shoot was at a small 'community' just on the outskirts of Phnom Phen. We left this busy, dirty, dusty street and turned into a kind of commune. We drove (only a short distance) through mud, big puddles, rubbish, wooden houses and lots of local folk....until we arrived at our destination. A gorgeous (in our eyes only) timber hut ...or room actually...that houses this mum, her mum and her baby girl who is almost 1. Of course I needed to use the bathroom which was nothing short of interesting in a small village like that!
The baby was totally gorgeous of course and many of the village folk came out to see what was going on! I think the mum probably felt similar to what we would feel like to be a movie star for an hour or so!
We just get settled in and met the family when Katrina called to say that one of her girls has gone into labour - so it meant we needed to rush the photo shoot - but that's life. The girls who came with us to translate needed to be there to help out...so off we went a bit to soon for us.

And that's really the sum of what was meant to be our not so busy day. Autumn came to spend the night with us last night and Katrina, Paul and the boys met us back at the Hotel for a nice quiet drink together. Tomorrow and Sunday are days off - so I'm hoping we can get in some R&R.

I've added photos of Eb and Autumn xxx

love.......

4th update

2011-10-20T01:39:00.001+11:00

I'm so exhausted I'm not sure what to say tonight. Getting more confidence with my photography - did another two shoots today. Both Lee and I were exhausted after the first but we soldiered on. The babies and mums are so amazing but I know I've said that already. Can't wait to share a few photos when I can!We have another two tomorrow and then two or three on Friday. Had dinner at Paul and Kats tonight. Kids are fine, Paul a bit stressed and Kat stretched but they're hanging in there. We were meant to photograph twins today but one was quite sick so have to put that off til Monday I think. I'm just blown away by all that is going on and all that Mothers Heart are doing. I'm getting some figures together to give you an idea and hope to post that shortlyIt's amazing how the Lord is blessing the work of MH but the pressure is enormous. As Katrina said tonight though. She does all she can to not worry. Because she knows that ultimately our God (of the last minute) provides. It's not her place to worry. Such wise words to leave you with xxx

3rd update

2011-10-19T02:05:00.000+11:00

I want to talk a little about all Katrina is doing,I am struggling to come to terms with just how much things have changed in 19 months. I don't want - for one moment - to give the wrong impression. Things are hard and the need for funding is VERY obvious. But it is so wonderful to see how God is at work. The building that now houses Mothers Heart is amazing. 4 floors in total. The ground floor is mostly for the 'clients' as well as a storage area and kitchen. The second floor has an office and a counseling room. The third floor has a board room and more offices and the top floor has a room that is used to sleep/house clients and staff where necessary. The rent alone is some $600 per month. Then there are the amazing baskets of goodies each new mum gets .... The medical care .... The hospital care ... The wages.... The much needed and used tuk tuk driver/s (I've never spent so much time in a tuk tuk as this visit!) ... The water that is consumed ... The meals that are provided ... The computers and necessary office equipment ... The utility bills ... The medication ... The phone bills ... Gosh the list goes ...BUT nothing compares to seeing .....let alone having the privilege of photographing.....these beautiful, healthy, bundles of love. To see such young mums who almost aborted or gave away their child express so much love and to see them care so tenderly for their child has brought more tears to my eyes than I can tell you. What an amazing testament to the love of a mother for her child. No matter what the circumstances of the child's conception these mums have that amazingl ability to love beyond their tragedy. I have been trying to photograph through tears on many occasions. Have I said enough for one post? I could go on for such a long time....but I won't. Eb has been better today - only a minor meltdown before bed - but such a relief after the last 3 nights I can tell you. Had breakfast and dinner here at the Hotel and lunch at 'Jars of Clay' which was yet another very cheap place with amazingly yummy food.Tomorrow we have twin girls to photograph and a small 4 month old boy who is only about 9lbs. I can't believe it's only been 3 sleeps so far - it feels like we've been here a week already. Lee is doing great and is a delight - so relaxed and easy to be with......and so comfortable in Asia after having lived in Singapore for a few years!It has been very steamy and the power has gone out on both days at the office which means no air-conditioning....but we're JUST surviving :). Feeling it more this trip than last - but that could be nerves too..Love always xxx Jen and Eb xxx

2nd update

2011-10-18T11:00:00.000+11:00

3 nights have passed since we arrived. We woke on Sunday - early - so had a yummy (provided) breakfast here and I decided we'd go to Church. Lee went out for a walk and I came back and text Katrina. I was feeling really headachy and tired and in the end she was under pressure to get there and it was all hard so she suggested we have a quiet morning and they came and picked us up at 12ish and took us to 'the blue pumpkin' for lunch. It was a beautiful little oasis that has a toy shop amongst it....so we barely saw the children! After lunch we chatted a bit about a plan and the the 5 girls headed to the market to buy some textiles as props for the photo shoots.When we arrived back at the Hotel we went and had dinner Eb didnt want anything at first then she did and it took 1.5hrs for hers to arrive for some reason (!). In the end I asked them to deliver it to our room so i could start to get her ready for bed After she ate she had another meltdown so I had to put a screaming child in in the bath for a second night. It's so exhausting when I'm so tired myself. I had a bit to do after she went to sleep and then she was bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5am! Needless to say yesterday was a tough day. Not for her - she seemed fine (until another meltdown at bedtime). She played all day and was mostly fine - but I had a really hard day. I absolutely loved doing the photography but I feel so inadequate. Lee is so much more experienced than me and I'm having to push down feelings all the time when I'm so exhausted. Had a bit of a meltdown myself at one stage. I'm hoping I'll feel much better today since I've had better sleep (and Eb is still asleep - which will mean over 12 hours for her). I had to rock and !sing! Her to sleep last night. I haven't done that for a few years! I cried myself for her and in my own exhaustion and emotions. There were two women we photographed yesterday. Lee took one and I took the other. The gorgeous girl I spent time with is 22 and her little son is 2.5 months. She is by far the most shy of the girls. She just had her hair cut and it's the first time Katrina had seen her face properly in all the time she has cared for her. Yesterday Katrina saw the first glimpses of some confidence in her. I cried a few times as I met the girls and although mostly we don't understand each other we sure can communicate. It's amazing. The work Katrina is doing has me blown away. The organization she has developed shows me just how God can equip His people.Eb has just woken and we need to get ready for another big day so I'll do my best to continue soon. Love, Jen and Ebby xx

Cambodia here we are

2011-10-16T14:13:00.001+11:00

After some 22 hours Lee, Eb and I finally arrived in Cambodia.I don't think I've ever had such a stressful lead up to going away.....but we made it.Left home at 7.45pm on Friday - headed to the Airport via a stop at McDonalds. I felt nervous and sad all the way in the car and cried when I said goodbye to my man. I don't think I'll ever do something like this again without him. Airport was frantic and we waited in a LONG cue to check-in only to find things have changed and I had to go and kind of repack and then had to pay excess baggage! Not happy.Flight took off on time, then we hit terrible turbulence about an hour out of Melbourne. Worst ever for me yet I coped really well. Both flights had rough patches actually...my worst fears lived out (well maybe not my worst!,)Arrived in KL on time and got to the Hotel by about 8am. Had a lovely breakfast then a swim then a lovely shower then back to the Airport (after a panicked look for my phone...which was tucked in my bag and couldn't be heard because it was so well packed....and which all left me wanting another shower!)Then it was off to Cambodia. Flight actually got in about 15mins early and it was so lovely to see the Gliddon gang. We checked into our Hotel then we went to the good old Himaware for a drink by the river (which is incredibly flooded - couldn't believe the flooding as we flew in and was totally unaware of all that was happening here. Many homes and lives lost - so sad). Eb did amazingly through the whole 'adventure'. Barely a bad moment until we were about to land in Phnom Phen. Then played hard with the Gliddon children when we were out (all on very minimal sleep) - but when we were dropped back at the Hotel the 'chickens came home to roost' as the saying goes.. She stood outside the door of our room saying she didn't like the smell and I had to bring her in forcibly then try to undress-bath and then settle a totally distraught child. She finally fell into an exhausted sleep in my arms on the couch and it was only minutes before I carried a comatose child to bed.She slept about 12 hours - I didn't fare so well and feel quite yucky today but I know I'll be fine with a good sleep tonight. Love to all who read xx

Two special friends visit....

2011-09-27T20:05:00.000+10:00

A girls weekend in Sydney

2011-08-30T22:25:00.001+10:00

I have so looked forward to these couple of days.

Just a couple of nights with a gorgeous girlfriend and her gorgeous daughter.
Eb and Sarah spend quite a bit of time together and get on well (well most of the time!)
there is about 16 months between them, but they have a ball together!...

We left on Sunday after Church a flew from Albury to Sydney. We arrived at about 3pm at the Hotel and then had a little bit of time to fill in before we got ready to go to Mary Poppins.

We had dinner on the way to the cinema in a sweet little Thai restaurant.

Eb and I went to Mary Poppins back in Feb - but it just didn't go well for Eb...and I had no idea how much I had actually missed by sitting as far back as we did. We were up in Dress Circle (even though the tickets were cheaper than the Melbourne show!) and we saw EVERYTHING. I loved it! Ebony enjoyed it too (although this time I DID take snugly for her!). She did spend a bit of time on my lap...but all in all she remembers a lot more. It was an earlier start too...and it wasn't such a stressful lead up!

After the excitement of the show we walked back to our Hotel on a beautiful mild Sydney night!

We finally got the girls to bed....and then to sleep (actually Eb went to sleep almost immediately - poor Sarah struggled to settle after the excitement!).

The next morning we got up (early!) and headed down to breakfast in the Hotel. I'm so glad we took some stickers/colouring books for the girls - it filled in their time beautifully and we could enjoy our breakfast!

Then - we excitedly headed off to Taronga Zoo! I have wanted to go there for years.
We walked to the Mono Rail and - just for the fun of it for the girls - we jumped on for the short journey to Darling Harbour. It was such fun for them!....

Then we arrived at Darling Harbour where we boarded a 'Captain Cook Ferry' bound for Taronga Zoo via a couple of stops...

I was in awe of all the beautiful sights on the boat...but then just as in awe of the sights from the Zoo!

I adore this photograph...even though it's through the glass, it shows an amazing relationship between a mother, her child and, we think, another sibling...

I love this photo of Sarah...

After the Zoo we made our way back to Darling Harbour where the girls had an absolute ball in all the water features!

Then we went back to the Hotel and had a delicious dinner at the Hotel before getting 2 exhausted little (and big!) girls off to sleep

Tuesday we headed down for a yummy breakfast again and booked out by 10am before making our way to the gorgeous "Chinese Gardens" in the heart of Darling Harbour - what a beautiful, tranquil, peaceful place it is

and I just love this one of Eb's hand enjoying another water feature. We filled in time around Darling Harbour again before we headed back to the airport for our flight home!

What a wonderful, fun couple of nights we had....all of us!

A little photo shoot.....

2011-08-24T21:03:00.000+10:00

This was for fun - and it was for the Angie Baxter 'Love Your Camera' online course I'm doing.
It was fun - we both had fun and I'm so happy with these photo's!

...my favorite!

Post birthday pressies

2011-08-21T20:37:00.000+10:00

Yep - they keep coming!
We kept one for you too - because we knew yesterday would be a big day! this is you getting your final gift from us.....I picked it a long time ago because I knew you would love a special place to keep all your little 'jewels'! xxx

... i love the anticipation of watching you anticipate!

...and then there was a sweet present from my girlfriend Mish - she had bought Ebony a 'build-a-bear' for her 5th birthday and she send her a gorgeous 'dressing gown and slippers' - Eb and 'starsong' as she calls her bear, have been inseperable!

and then there was your lolly bag!....you will keep it for ages I know!

6th birthday

2011-08-20T21:17:00.002+10:00

Wow - is it really your birthday today! or more to the point - are you really 6! What has happened to time honey?

I don't honestly know, but I do know how proud of you I am. You have a sweet nature - although strong at times. You are absolutely full of fun and joy. You make me very proud of how you are starting to really care about others...most of the time!

Some facts....
You are 20kgs
You are 116cm
You have lost 2 teeth so far...with a couple of loose ones!
You have a fringe at the moment...which you didn't at last birthday!
You are wearing mostly size 5 but going into 6's
You have thinned down like I would NEVER have expected!
You still adore your mummy and love your daddy.
You are learning so much at school I can't believe it!
Today I found out you need glasses :(
Your left leg is still being monitored by the Royal Childrens Hospital yearly

You are so FULL OF LIFE I can't believe it and I love it more than I can say! You are so happy and you LOVE to dance and sing. Your Uncle Tez things you will definitely be in the dramatic arts....maybe you will be...but maybe you won't!
Whatever you will be, I will support you and love you.

You bring me more joy than I could ever put into words. You lift my days with your joy and your zest for life.

You ..... wanted a tinkerbell cake! You got the idea from your 'niece' Lilybeth at her 2nd birthday. I didn't get to see the cake...so I produced my own version and then found out how different it was...but it didn't matter because you were happy! xxx

You woke up and happily sat on your daddy's lap and opened your first present from us - a Spirograph (that simply isn't made the way it once was!)

The we Skyped with Nana and Pa, Uncle Tez and then Aunty Di and Jess....

Then we got you dressed and ready for you big day....and you opened still more pressies...

Then it was off to Wodonga to enjoy a fun day celebrating at the Twin City 10 pin bowl!...via the Wodonga Park!

and, of course, a family photo!

Then it was time for the real fun of 10 pin bowls - you were so excited it was gorgeous to watch...

Then time to celebrate with your gorgeous friends...

What a great fun day - we love you more than words my beautiful little girl xxx

First Bluelight

2011-08-19T21:07:00.000+10:00

This morning you woke up in a bit of a mood - I think having had guests for a few days makes it a bit hard to go back to just us. Perfectly understandable.
Anyway - when you got up you weren't particularly happy until I mentioned that tonight would be the 'Blue Light' - then your face changed completely!

Then night came and out you came! You had so much fun I couldn't believe it...or could I! This little video tells a story!

I still don't know that I agree with a disco at 5 (well almost 6) but you sure did have fun. You don't mind if there is someone to dance with or not - you just have fun. Thankfully you aren't too aware of dress etc. I love your style, I love that you don't mind where you are or what you are doing - you just love the moment! ...and I love that you are wearing a size '2' pumpkin patch skirt on the eve of your 6th birthday!

Some new friends...

2011-08-17T20:54:00.000+10:00

I 'met' Mel on the 'Explore' photography course I did online in Feb/Mar. She has been such a sweetheart in showing me how to do some things in PS before I started doing a course. I even went down and spent a number of hours with her.
I said I would love for her, her husband Andrew, and their gorgeous little girl to come up and stay...and they did! We had such fun, even though the weather wasn't brilliant. Here are some photo's of our girls at play!

Enjoying breakfast together...

Gorgeous Sophia

some fun before Eb goes to school

on a chair lift in the snow

Mel, Andrew and Sophia getting of the lift

Out to dinner!

Eb teaching Sophia how to read

...and how to have her FIRST shower! (I didn't know and Sophia's mummy and daddy hadn't surfaced :) How sweet is this photo!

A bit of fun at home

2011-08-06T20:07:00.001+10:00

I'm doing courses, courses, courses. I took this serious of photo's of you for one of those courses and I'm thrilled with them!...and these are the unedited - sooc ones.

this is so you! - you with your precious snugly

and my favorite!

Walkathon

2011-08-03T19:59:00.000+10:00

Today you participated in your very first Walkathon! You did so well :) I decided to be a parent helper and I'm glad I did! You were out the front chatting, giggling and having a ball most of the time! We even made it on the front page of the local newspaper! It was a decent walk - 4+kms - but there were absolutely no complaints from my girl! xxx

all ready to head off!

...almost done

Noah at 3 weeks

2011-08-02T19:53:00.000+10:00

I had hoped to try out my skills on little Noah today...and produce a lovely photo for his mummy! but sadly it wasn't to be :) This is the best I could come up with....I still love it though - he's SO cute!

A photoshot with Eb, Mei and Devonte

2011-07-31T17:29:00.000+10:00

We woke in Melbourne at our dear friends Ruth and Chris's place. They had looked after Eb while we went to the wedding and she was a little champion for them which is such a relief.

This morning we went over to the park and I took some 'snapshots' for some practice. We had a lovely hour or so and I'm happy with the results of the photo's.

this is one of Devonte's 'looks' :)

and then it was Mei in action....

We then picked Graham's mum up and headed off to take her home to Alexandra...via Marysville, where the devestating fires had gone through just 2 years ago. Sadly Graham went more 'around' the town than through it....but I have a couple of photo's!

A wedding....

2011-07-30T23:59:00.000+10:00

It's been a long time since we've been to a wedding. I didn't want to go to Melbourne, but I was looking forward to the wedding.

Graham's nephew Bradley was finally marrying the mother of 2 of his 3 boys - Kirsty :)

They chose The Melbourne Aquarium and it was a beautiful venue. We only lasted until just after the speeches though because the music was so loud you couldn't talk (yep! showing my age!) and we had Graham's mum with us. She would have been the oldest person there and it was pretty tough on her. There wasn't much sitting room either - but gosh it was spectacular to have it all happening while the fish etc happily swam around us!

Here's some photo's from the night!

This is the room the wedding was held in...

The groom and best man (Graham's son) waiting...

Brad's youngest son 'Jett' coming down the aisle before Kirsty his mummy...

The beautiful bride....

the vows....

Brad oldest son Cormac...who now lives in Ireland with his mum

The new Mr and Mrs Boote

The kiss...

The cake x 2

The groom and his Grandmother

and with his cousin and his wife (Graham's son and daughter-in-law)

Father and son catching up...

cutting the cake

Baby James at 5 months

2011-07-23T09:05:00.000+10:00

Here is Graham's gorgeous grandson at 5 months....he's divine!

2nd visit to the snow 2011

2011-07-14T23:40:00.000+10:00

It's only a week since we visited the snow and here we are again. This time was easier because we got her earlier in the day and the girls got to enjoy some tobogganing time together. We went out for dinner while we were up there (with Susan, Dwayne and Sarah) and then made our way to the 'fireworks and night show' that we love!

Meeting Noah for the first time....

2011-07-14T22:51:00.000+10:00

Baby Noah is our little friend Austin's baby brother. He is 1 week old today and we finally got to meet this gorgeous little man who is so like his big brother .... only his Mummy has a bit more say in his looks! He is adorable and a very lucky little man to be born into such a gorgeous family.

Meet Noah....

Birthday invite photo...

2011-07-14T22:39:00.000+10:00

Last year and this year I've picked a photo of Eb to use as her 'Birthday Invite' - this is the 6th birthday one.

My sister

2011-07-11T22:32:00.000+10:00

Where would I be without my sister. We don't get to spend much time together these days and it was so lovely to have a few days together. So filled with love and wisdom. I love this photo of her...I love her xx

Our first visit to the snow....2011

2011-07-07T22:11:00.000+10:00

I love going up the snow. It's freezing and it isn't really 'pleasant' but it's fun! My sister and my niece Renee came up from Melbourne and I never dreamed my sister would agree to going up but she did and I was thrilled. Sadly, when we arrived, just in time to catch the gully chair lift up to the bowl - we found it wasn't operating and we had to walk up! Half way up the fireworks started....so we missed the ski show - but the fireworks were still great and Ebony and Renee still had fun! The snow is amazing - what a great start to the season!

snow making in progress...

the amazing snow on one of the buildings....

one of my favorite photo's of the night...

my little cherub enjoying snow ball throwing!

Renee enjoying the snow!

she looks so tiny!

Cousins come for a visit....

2011-07-02T22:00:00.000+10:00

We had such a lovely visit from Beccy and Lizzie *and their mum and dad! - here are some photo's of our fun times....

Last Day of Term 2 2011

2011-07-01T21:40:00.000+10:00

Last day of term is a fun day at Tawonga Primary school! It's dress-up day. Even the Principal (who is the character from the Blues Brothers) get's involved. Eb had so much fun. I really need to put in more effort next term to get a 'real' outfit for her!

A fun weekend in Lakes Entrance

2011-06-13T07:29:00.000+10:00

We visited my Mum and Dad's place (while they are holidaying up north) with our dear friends Dwayne, Susan and Sarah. The snow on the way over was amazing to say the least. It was like there had been a 'sudden' cold snap and the ice on the bottom of signs and trees was on an angle. I so wish I had taken some photo's!
Sadly the only beautiful day was the Saturday when we girls decided to go to Bairnsdale for some 'retail therapy' (which we just don't get in Mt Beauty!). The next 2 days were wet, wet, wet! Be we still had fun and made it to Metung for lunch on one of the days. Metung is one of my favorite places. The girls coloured while we chatted and then we had a delicious lunch together. After lunch we were able to go for a walk on the piers in front of the Metung Hotel. It was a fun weekend all in all :) ...oh! and we stopped for a bit of snow play on the way home!

Courses continuing.....

2011-06-05T23:05:00.000+10:00

Actually - it's not a course - it's a 30 day challenge! I've been having a ball but had to share these photo's. I was so happy with them and still love seeing my little girl loving her 'snugly' and her 'suixi bear'.

A chance to watch you dance!

2011-06-03T22:59:00.000+10:00

..and then there was dance and a chance to watch you having a ball!

Farewell Souhail....

2011-06-02T22:04:00.000+10:00

Goodbye little man. Your time here was so, so short. Your parent must be feeling your loss so deeply.

Today I went to Souhail's funeral. I've never been to a funeral for a really young child....and I never want to go to one again. Souhail was 7 months younger than Ebony. It has really done my head in...and my heart.

He was a dear little man - he contracted Leukemia about 6 weeks ago. His mummy and daddy brought him home and he wanted to do things like 'go and feed the cows'. As a result of his time at home he contracted a virus and in 4 days he was gone.

Rest in the arms of Jesus little man. The children at school released balloons for you. Darling Ebony is struggling in ways even she doesn't understand...and so am I.

Acro!

2011-06-01T22:41:00.000+10:00

You love 'Acro' - it's right up your alley. You are doing so well and I was thrilled when I got to sit in on a session and take some photo's. My little girl - growing, changing, learning. How I love you! xxx

Too cute not to post

2011-05-28T22:30:00.002+10:00

We have so much fun together - no matter what we do. Sure there are times when it's hard - but times like this make up for those times. Today we went for a walk around our lake. No complaints - lots of singing and skipping. A perfect day with my gorgeous girl.

Sadness....

2011-05-27T13:47:00.003+10:00

why is it that I need a tragedy to remind me how precious any little person in my life is?...how precious the gift of my sweet little girl is.
Today I found out that one of the children in Eb's class - a little boy who also did Kindy with her - who was a very withdrawn little soul - died on Wednesday. He contracted leukemia about 6 weeks ago and then got an infection and now he is gone. I did kinder duty with him a few times last year and tried to reach out to him. He never really responded but it never bothered me - I always held him dear to my heart. I don't think I ever even hear him speak. Good bye darling Souhail - you are now in God's hands and the angels will welcome you darling little man - you will never be rejected again - you will never need to withdraw again - you are safe. You will be missed by this mummy.

Your first fun run

2011-05-20T22:03:00.001+10:00

Today you participated in your very first Fun Run.
I was so proud of you and so glad to be able to be there to cheer you on.
You had been so sick - yet you gave it such a great shot.
Don't know where you came - don't even care.
Just proud you gave it your very best.
xxx

This one deserves a separate entry!

2011-05-18T21:58:00.001+10:00

A little girl and a puppy dog.
Ebony is 5 and Harley is only 1.
They became absolutely the BEST of friends.
They were inseparable.
Ebony was a bit unsure at first - Harley made sure that didn't last long.
Ebony struggled to even leave Harley to go away for 2 days.
Is a dog in her future? who knows! not in the short term.
It was so beautiful to watch them together
So beautiful to see her love an animal the way she did
So sad to hear her say tonight, as I tucked her into bed sobbing 'Mummy my heart is breaking I miss Harley soooo much'. Out of the mouths of babes.
Sweetheart your mummy cried too - so sad to see you so sad xx

Brisbane for a week!

2011-05-18T21:01:00.002+10:00

We've had an amazing time with Graham's daughter, her husband and their darling baby boy James in Brisbane. James is only 3 months old and he is just beautiful! We loved our time with them all.

While we were there, Ebony and I spent a morning with some of the gorgeous girls that I did the 'Explore' photography course with in Feb/Mar. Finally putting a face to a name and thoroughly enjoying some photography chat and some actual photography..... it was a blast :)

Jody Ryan's daughter Sienna....

Jody with her daughter Sienna...

Eb and Sienna having a blast!

The gorgeous Debbie Lawrence

Then we took a couple of days away and visited ....Australia Zoo....

Eb had so much fun feeding the Kangaroo's.....she spent more time here than anywhere!

...even after she got scratched (you can see the marks on her hand)

Then we went to Noosa after a night at Caloundra.....
...via Eumundi Market of course!

Noosa beach at dusk

....an amazing sand sculpture...we arrived just as he finished and YES we did give him a gold coin or two for his incredible work!

Then we had a day out with Kim, Michael and baby James and went to watch a kite flying festival. Eb loved it all - but particularly her first taste of fairy floss!

In our last day or so, we headed into Brisbane and took the ferry across the other side...and then we walked...and walked...and walked. We didn't realise we had got off the ferry way too early and we could have gone a lot further! We still had fun on a beautiful Brisbane morning looking at what - only months earlier - had been devastated by floods.

I was thrilled when we were crossing back over the bridge to get back to main Brisbane to look down and see 'Ella's pink lady'! I had just finished the book of Jessica Watson's journey and it was amazing to see the actual boat docked at Brisbane.

When we arrived back home, it was time to attempt some photo's - sadly it was quite late and the sun was going down - needless to say, the camera struggled...and so did I!

Here's Graham with his daughter and Grandson

Baby James

Baby James and his mummy

A very happy new family

...and one sweet little 5yo having a lovely time in the pool (even thought it was FREEZING!)

Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-08T18:07:00.003+10:00

I have had such a special day.

It started with my amazing husband and my sweet daughter showering me with handmade and handwritten cards and a beautiful addition to my Pandora bracelet. I barely had my eyes open when it started and it's just so special and something I've waited all my life to experience! This year Eb understand Mothers Day more than she ever has before. Here's some photo's of what she presented me with.....

this is the one she made a Kidz Church...

and this is the one she made (and the gift she chose) at School....

We then got up and had yummy pancakes together. Graham told me he had a surprise for me for lunch - that was something to look forward to!

Off we went to Church where we enjoyed a lovely service out in the main hall (the heating wasn't working in the main Church)...it was a very special service dedicated to the Mum's. We were all given a gift made by our child and a little something special from the Church itself. I was asked to take some photo's, so I enjoyed doing that!

Then Church was over and off we headed - I was totally surprised to be taken to Kancoona Winery for lunch. I've never been there before and it is a gorgeous, rustic, unfinished but lovely building with a view out over the bush. It has obviously all been done by the owners and is very much a work in progress. Our meal was really nice and we enjoyed a lovely few hours there. Eb was great too - but I wish I'd bought some colouring books or something for her to do lol!

Here's some photo's of our fun day.

quite unusual (eclectic) decor...

....yummy desert!

some of my little princess.....

one very happy little family

First night apart - and 5 and almost 3 quarters

2011-05-03T20:05:00.004+10:00

So much change - so much learning - so much happening.

This weekend was the first time in 4 years, 4 months and 6 days that I have woken up without you in the same house as me. I had a photography course to go to in Melbourne and decided to take the plunge and have a try of a night without me. In the end I left at about 4.30pm on Saturday and you were fine....I on the other hand struggled with tears for some time in the car. I arrived in Melbourne and was pretty exhausted. Watched some TV and then fell into bed. Woke at 7am and it was a rush to get out of the house and get to Abbotsford to meet a friend by 8am so I had no time to think about it too much (I did have a drawing you had done by my bed and in my view in the car I might add!). I had breakfast with a friend I met through the last photography course so I couldn't be rude and call home until just as the course started. Of course you didn't want to talk to me did you!!!! - you were way too busy...watching TV! Daddy had let you watch from 7-9am - unheard of if you were home with me :) I let it go and got involved in my course. I wasn't able to call until it finished at 4pm and then I sat in the car and listened to your gorgeous little voice and questions for about 15 minutes. It's so sweet to hear you little voice over the phone. I was finally able to get away and get home to you as quickly as I could. You were sound asleep, but I had to go and give you big hugs and kisses! So - it went far better than I expected so I do feel much better about doing this again.

One of the big changes I'm noticing at the moment is your sense of being wronged - or maybe it's your sense of justice (even if it's a little out of place at times). You can really feel hurt when I've said something that has hurt you. This change has come to the fore fairly suddenly. I love that you are now aware and I must say I do get it wrong at times and I'm glad you can express what you are feeling. I'm learning so much about being a mummy to a prep child - you are learning so much and growing so fast. Wherever is that pause button! xx

First person to person camera course

2011-05-01T22:43:00.001+10:00

Today I enjoyed an amazing course called "Love your Camera" with Angie Baxter. It was a day spent with like minded people all wanting to learn more about taking photo's...and particularly their camera's.

I felt like I already knew a lot of what was taught - which is amazing considering it was only 6 weeks ago I was a 'full auto' girl!. But it was worth every cent and all the effort just to spend time with people who enjoy what I enjoy. It would be very easy to become a course junkie!

Anyway - I buddied up with one of the girls I had done Sheye's course with (Cristy) and here are some of her photo's of me that she took (and one she edited to B&W)....

And here are some I took of Cristy.....

A princess in the field...

2011-04-30T15:58:00.004+10:00

After the music muster today I decided to take you to a field just below our home for some photo's. You were still in your muster outfit and you looked adorable....here's some photo's we did.

Mt Beauty Music Muster

2011-04-30T15:01:00.002+10:00

I am so proud of you honey. I must say you were very excited about going to the Muster and performing....but just before your item you wanted out big time. I think the loud noise just gets the better of you.

Thankfully, with moments to spare, you decided to do it and as anyone can see - you had a ball!

You looked so beautiful - I felt very VERY proud xxx

Easter fun at Tawonga Holiday Park

2011-04-27T09:29:00.004+10:00

We had another beautiful (although VERY busy) Easter camping down at the local park. I just love staying there so much and Ebony had a wonderful time with Kayla, Jordan, Jesse and the other wonderful families that joined us over the time we were there.

I had had a very busy lead up to Easter with the B&B and that continued on during and after - so I was missing a bit during the day - but any time I had was wonderful.

We also had a 6th birthday party to go to on the Saturday afternoon - then it was straight from there to Avenel to visit with Graham's daughter and her beautiful new son. It was a lovely time.

Sunday morning was very special with Easter bunny making an appearance for the children and LOTS of chocolate for them to gather/share/enjoy....followed by pancakes for breakfast, which the caravan park do each year (for a small donation that goes to the local hospital). All in all, it was a lovely weekend and lots of great memories.

Some views of the gorgeous Kiewa River in the morning...

and a very excited and happy little girl waking up with gorgeous views outside the tent....

then it was time for some bubbles with Eb and Kayla...

then it was 6th Birthday party time....

Sunday dawned and it was sweet little bunny's everywhere!

and some fun hiding amongst egg searching...

in the afternoon we headed to the local park for the children to have some fun together...

and we couldn't believe it when Eb decided to take on the local 'skate park'! She just went and the first time she actually hit a wall and fell of the bike - but to our total amazement she got straight back on and even though she took another fall she still kept going back! To think that it was only a matter of months ago she could barely ride! She has learnt so much this weekend with watching and participating with the other children - it's been such fun to watch.

This is daddy Ric with their youngest son Jesse....

Love this photo of Jesse

Bright....

2011-04-18T22:09:00.003+10:00

We only arrived home yesterday, but today both Sarah and I had appointments with the Dentist in Bright - so we all headed over there and had a lovely day together...and another opportunity for a few quick photo's...straight out of camera.

Bright....

2011-04-18T22:09:00.001+10:00

We only arrived home from King Valley yesterday, but today both little Sarah and I had appointments with the Dentist in Bright - so we all headed over there and had a lovely day together...and another opportunity for a few quick photo's...straight out of camera.

King Valley with Susan and Sarah

2011-04-18T19:08:00.007+10:00

Susan, Sarah, Ebony and I headed off for King Valley and a lovely weekend of fun, joy, fellowship, craft and.....photo's!

It was such a lovely weekend and we got to go for lovely walks - have fun doing craft together - Susan did some cooking with the girls...gingerbread men and yummy chocolates! We all had such a lovely time and we look forward to going back before too long.

We also visited the waterfall that I had found when there in January and thanks to the lovely rain we have had the falls were really special again.

It was a beautiful few days - lovely memories made and the girls had a ball!

I loved the opportunities for photography practice too of course.....

First - when we arrived we gave sweet Sarah, who had turned 7 while we were in Dromana - her birthday present...

Then, we went for a lovely walk with the girls....

....and a bit of time for face painting by .....me!

Then we donned some pretty pettiskirts and headed around the farm...

...then a bit of scenery - isn't this place divine???

..and then the much anticipated cooking!

.....and then a final visit to the falls...

Below are some video's of the fun we had....

Dromana - Suixi girls get together #1 for 2011 and another tooth down!

2011-04-11T17:36:00.002+10:00

Wow - the fun of these holidays have begun. They are going to be busy!

We left Melbourne at about 9.30am and arrived in Dromana at about 4.30pm - only stops were morning tea and lunch and a couple of quick things in Melbourne!

We were so lucky to arrive on a beautiful April evening with a temperature still at about 24 at 6pm! Needless to say we quickly unpacked and raced down the beach to capture the most amazing sunset....plenty of time for me to practice with some sunsets....and a very gorgeous subject! xx

Then it was back to our accommodation and we waited until the others arrived. I had a bit of a late night up chatting (so unlike me!) but it was lovely. We were up and at 'em with 4 lively girls first thing Saturday morning and headed down the beach and waited for the other 2 families to arrive. When they did, the girls all just took of where they last left off. It's amazing to see them so happy and so comfortable with each other - but what has stood out to me this time is how much there are three definite pairs now! As long as they're happy - I am!

Then it was back home for some yummy spag bol for the girls and some delicious take away Thai for the adults. Another lovely and fun night was had by all and the girls basically went to sleep really well!...after doing some art and having some fun together of course (and showers/baths). Oh and some fun with sparklers :)

The next morning was more craft! even before breakfast and in some cases before they were even dressed :)

Then one of the families needed to hit the road, so we made an attempt at a 'Suixi girls photo'.....

And then 5 of the 6 families headed to the Ashcombe Maze. The girls had more fun that I can describe here - considering the weather had turned quite bad it was a great afternoon.

Then it was off home .... but only after you lost another tooth VERY unexpectedly (Sun 10th).

I had just put you to bed and you called out and said your tooth was bleeding - I went in, had a look and then sent daddy in. He came out with tooth in hand and you did it yourself!

Thankfully the tooth fairy knew where to come. What was also amazing was that one of the other girls - Meisy - lost one that same day! Amazing.

Here's a photo of my little girl minus 2 front teeth xx

A play date

2011-04-06T16:56:00.000+10:00

Well - we haven't done many play dates at all this term. I felt like we needed to settle into school before we did too much after school activities.
Jade is one of your friends at school and you two play very well together. Today was our very last day of just the two of us (last Wednesday of term one) and I had plans for a very special day - but sadly it couldn't be because Jade's mummy had to work today and needed help with looking after Jade. I felt a little sad - but I know you had a lovely, fun day. We went down to the park where we were the only ones there. You two played and played - I'm not at all sure you would have even asked to go home!...but I coaxed you away with the promise of a visit to Treats!

A new look

2011-03-30T20:29:00.000+11:00

I bit the bullet today and decided to have your fringe cut. Your hair is so glossy and shiny and even when I tie it back well for school, you come home looking like you've been running a marathon - hair everywhere! So - here's the end result. Taken at the Thai in Albury.

I love it!

First tooth gone :(

2011-03-28T20:13:00.000+11:00

Well it happened. I've been dreading it only because I know how much your face will change and how much more grown up you'll look.
It's been loose for about 6 months now - but recently it's become very loose. Well - you couldn't eat because it was troubling you so much so we tried to get it out and believe it or not Daddy finally got the pliers out and voila! it was done :)
Yes the tooth fairy did find you and we couldn't believe it when you got a note - yes $5! I think the tooth fairy did that because you are so familiar with coins and she wanted you to have something special first time! Go tooth fairy!

Before it came out when the offending tooth was very wobbly!

This is the little tooth .....

And then the next day ready for school.....with a new smile :)

Photography Course - fun for me task!

2011-03-25T23:32:00.002+11:00

The course is nearly over and I feel very sad :( ... but I've learned so much I can't stay sad for long!

Here's my final entry (I think). I have just over a day before the forum closes so who knows if I'll get a chance to do more. We'll see.....

This photo I wish I hadn’t applied the rule of thirds!!!...but love the cheeky grin…

Looking forward to some PS on the one below !

Should have zoomed in a little or moved Eb away from the tree a bit (below)

Better but almost lost her foot and I’m still forgetting that rule of thirds!!!

same in this one below….

rule of thirds! rule of thirds!....where art thost

hmmm.. feet missing and a bit of blur below

chopped off foot again :)

...anyway - that was just a bit of fun and a bit of practice for me….and some different locations to try out! Eb was amazing and we really enjoyed it!

Photography course week 4 entry

2011-03-21T11:35:00.001+11:00

Wow - another week of learning - learning - learning! I have never Photoshoped in anyway - so this is a first. I bought Elements 9 (just before the course began) - but decided to try out the trial Version of CS5 for this. I’m really struggling with different techniques but am learning fast! Sheye I’ve no real idea of what I’m doing but decided that any entry I can submit and learn from is worth doing - so here goes!

Sheye’s original….

My first attempt….not enough difference to me

Attempt 2 - b&w…(but with just a fraction of colour)

This will be my final attempt below…....I am getting more comfortable and did play with the eyes (and curves!) a bit in this one - but I’m so totally out of my depth! I didn’t want to just give up so have tried my best given my limited time at the moment and my lack of knowledge! Evolve I PROMISE I will have better PS skills! xx

Gosh I’m going to miss you Sheye - Fran and all the gorgeous girls doing this course! xx

I think you did a great job Jen!! The last one is my fave! xo (Mel Riddell)

My amazing JenJen - the last looks perfect to me. It’s certainly not easy - I think there are alot of us that are newbies…but with practice I’m sure we will ‘evolve’ and our photography and PS skills will be outstanding!!!

Lou. X

Hi Jen!

I think you did sooooo well. For someone who is so new to PS, to achieve such a lovely edit is fantastic. It’s natural, it’s enhanced, it’s got a great amount of light and still feels soft. All the things I wanted for that image.

The black and white is well done..I’d probably add a wee bit more contrast just for some further depth but you’re well on your way which is great, conversions can be tricky.

I’m reeeeally impressed and you should be too! I can’t wait to see what you pick up over time because it seems this is really quite natural to you!

Thankyou for the wonderful effort.
Sheye x

ps, I agree the first edit is probably a little ‘light’ on the enhancements and I see more reflection in the eyes than I’d normally add..By the time you got to the third edit though you’d turned pro so it’s all good
x (Sheye)

Sweet Sheye - I have had some ‘teachers’ in my life ..... but NO -ONE comes close to you when it comes to encouraging critiquing - I can’t thank YOU enough and let me say that this time YOU brought tears to my eyes. I’ll miss you until we ‘meet’ again….. (Jen)

jen you did sooo well, you are a star ... love the b&w x

Awww!! You’re so good to me! Thank you Jen, I just love doing this so much!

To be able to create beautiful images of other peoples families is so rewarding but one step further, to teach people to do it for themselves, is even better to me .... Sheye

A weekend at Granite Flat

2011-03-20T21:04:00.000+11:00

We managed to get away for a weekend again! I was so thrilled. This time we made it to the place we planned to go to early in January and we got there just as a second car pulled in - but they happily left us there! It's such a great spot and we love dour time here. We relaxed and spent time doing 'family stuff'. Gra fished again (with Eb at times). Eb played beautifully and there was no need for DVD's this time! I still got time to do what I wanted and yes - we used the shower again. It's great! We have come such a long way and we are getting very self-sufficient. I love it! and so does Gra and Eb ::::: yeah!

Here's some of the fun in video format!
A bush walk that involved blackberry's!

and a log jam - this was amazing. Saw this in the States - but never expected to see it here. The river was so high in comparison to normal.

and this one is taken in a spot we camped at when you had been with us a whole 4 months...sadly it was closed to camping because of the damage of the floods....

breakfast in the bush!

Eb's 'heart rock' she found....and lost.....and found

Great kicking!....

Photography course week 3 task....

2011-03-15T21:01:00.002+11:00

Documentary - Connect - Warmth ......... Giggle

Just by the way - every one of these was shot in Manual! 3 weeks ago I knew there was a manual on my dial - now it’s becoming my friend

Firstly - I have had so much fun doing this task - the anticipation and the shoot were really fun. It was very hard getting two excited little girls to do what I was wanting them to do but - that’s photography! We had a family reunion at the beach this weekend and the weather was a bit against me - but although I’m not really happy with the photo’s - I know that once I learn more in Photoshop I’ll be able to ‘work’ them much better. These photo’s are SOOC….and I was using my new lens for the very first time in many of the photo’s - so….here goes!

Documentary - I was trying to piece together a session that had a bit of a story relating to Connect - Warmth - Giggles. I really hope othe story comes across….I think the giggles, warmth and connection comes across with these gorgeous cousins (who we call Ebony and Ivory :)....the ‘documentary’ was the harder part!

First - the ‘documentary’ shows 2 photo’s of uncertainty….

Then along comes ‘connect’ in the form of Eb’s cousin Lizzie…..

Then ‘warmth’ with Lizzie showing love and care….

I love how, in the photo below, Ebony touches Lizzie’s hand as if to say ‘thank you’....

Then it was time for ‘giggles’....and lots of them!

...and finally - ‘connection - warmth’.......and more giggles!

I am still feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure about a lot of things…and keep having to remind myself about things like the ‘rule of thirds’. I will get there though - I’m so determined and I so love what I’m doing.

and here is Sheye's critique...

sheye

Oh Jen, I have tears in my eyes too. You really, really did SO well at this task and I am thrilled to bits you shot it all on manual. It’s funny because sometimes I read over the words I set and they suddenly seem so difficult to combine! I think you pulled off ‘documentary’ so very well..your images tell the story perfectly. It’s so sweet that the girls were keen to help you with this project, you can see they were happy to act out your tale. Great job to them, and you!!

The first image particularly jumps out at me as being exposed so well. That beautiful blue sky and lovely skin tones all in the one frame - this is not easy to do. The colors are just lovely and it shows what having the right settings can achieve.

I also love the tight framing throughout, the connection part of your story is strengthened just through having these close focal lengths. The giggles images are so cute..I can imagine the commentary :)

As the light dropped, I think you may have been able to increase exposure just a little further. By the last image, things are a little flatter overall so an ISO bump might have just given a little lift without risking over exposure.

Your compositions are great Jen, I know you would change the subjects position in some of them but overall I think they’re wonderful and make a beautiful collection of images. They will certainly treasure them.

On a personal note, I want to say that your story, and the images of your beautiful girl, have impacted me greatly. With today being one of the more challenging days, I see Ebony and I am reminded that with time and patience, perhaps there are bigger things waiting. Beautiful, amazing, always-meant-to-be things. You don’t know how much I needed this today. Or then, you probably do. Thank you Jen.

Photography course week 2 task

2011-03-07T21:26:00.005+11:00

This was my entry for this weeks task...

I never want to be this late again! I’ve had a very, VERY hectic - but lovely, birthday weekend and then had to go to Albury for the day today. I’ve spent many waking hours thinking about how to go about this - it’s done my head in at times…..but it’s been so worthwhile for so many reasons!...and I gave up looking at others entries after about the first 3 because I knew it was going to do my head in even more!

I’m going to upload this main photo first .... but if I can get a better one in the daylight tomorrow - I’ll try to replace this one….or I’ll post another one…if not - I hope this will do and I’m sure glad we’re not being critiqued on our photography!

Just as a note - I would have LOVED to add a photo of my much loved camera here - but my point and shoot is being very hard to get on with and the battery went flat in a very short period so I just couldn’t add it in :)

Now - some words to go with my ‘All about you’ entry…..

Wow - how amazing it was to delve into a ‘style’.

The colours in this collection relate to the beauty that surrounds me - it’s a reflection of the gorgeous colours of the earth…and the beautiful blue of the sky. I love these two colours together and that’s why I chose them as the ‘theme’ of my B&B (photo of the sign at the bottom).

The heart(s) are for love - for all the love I still have inside me…and all that I have given away. I love, love, love to love. I love my family, I love people and I love my life….and I LOVE this course!

The frame itself was made by my Dad. He is still alive and I love him more than words (as I do my precious Mum). He made a lot of these frames for me and they represent my love of nature and country. Even the ‘window’ effect is so me.

The book is my Bible - much used and much loved. My faith in God underscores much of who I am today.

Up the top is my engagement ring (would have included my wedding ring but it’s not been off my finger since it was put there 18.5 years ago!).....along with my husbands ‘eternity’ chain - which I gave him on our wedding day because his work doesn’t allow him (too dangerous) to wear a ring.

The little book on the left is snippet of the journey that led to Ebony and I treasure it. I put it together not long after we returned home.

There is a photo of my scrapbooking desk (and inspiration area) and there is a photo of my kitchen (bit hard to capture but that is a window behind the stove top)...and I love working in my kitchen and being able to look out the window at the beautiful, peaceful, grassy garden area we have made out there.

There is a picture right up the top of my Netbook with a rose on it (they are both pink!)....I love my Netbook - it’s one of my favorite companions :)

There is a photo of candles - I love candles in any form - they create such a beautiful mood (along with music!).

There is a photo of my bed - I don’t seem to get a lot of time in there…but I love it and I wake to the most amazing views from it.

Couldn’t leave out a photo of my favorite ‘chai latte’ and a cupcake. I so enjoy both!

The little bear is ‘Yogi’ and we were given him when we hired a motor home to travel around Canada before we took on 4 weeks of traveling from N-S-E-W of the USA back in 2005. Yogi was our travel companion from that day - right through our trip to get Ebony. Sadly, Yogi was retired when Ebony came into our lives….but I’ll never part with him - nor forget him!

Now for the photo’s…..

Top left is our life before Ebony - our marriage - then the celebration of Graham’s 50th birthday - then just one from the amazing (and plentiful!) photo’s we took on our trip to the USA and Canada - it was taken at the Grand Canyon.

Bottom left is our journey to Ebony - first is the referral photo we received 8 weeks before she was placed in our arms (and the same one that lived under my pillow - in my wallet - by the sink - on the mirror in the bathroom - in the laundry - in the car…you name it!) The second one is the one that touches my heart more than any other photo I have - it’s the moment Graham (who is a biological dad to a son and daughter..and now has a grandson and granddaughter) broke and realised that this precious little life was ours to have and to hold and to love until the day after forever. The third one is the amazing and unforgettable moment we became a family of 3.

Top right is all about firsts for me - the very first kiss my darling girl ever gave me - just before she turned 2. The second photo is the first time I dressed her up in a little Chinese outfit that made her look like the beautiful little princess she is - we’d only been together a very short time. The third photo is a celebration of her second birthday….the first birthday that she ever celebrated - we filled her day with as much love and joy we could to make up for the loss of her birth and first birthday.

Bottom right - another favorite photo with Ebony’s hand in Graham’s ~ candles that I love and finally ~ a gorgeous photo of the views from our home.

Phew - that was HUGE for me - but I’m happy with the end result and hope that it fits the bill!

What an exercise in self-discovery. How amazing to have to look at a task and come up with a style. I guess I did do it for the B&B but it wasn’t as hard as this!

Now I’m going to enjoy going and catching up with what everyone else has done! Can’t wait for next weeks task…..it has to be easier????doesn’t it?????

My birthday!

2011-03-05T22:59:00.000+11:00

51 - gosh, it sounds so.....much older than last year. But we had a lovely night. We were lucky enough to be able to leave Ebony with friends of ours (the day after my birthday) and go out for dinner just the 2 of us. The first time for about 4 years. We had a great night juggling through some issues - but a great night all the same! We went to The Ivory Rooms at Tawonga - great food! Thanks Tan and Stan :)

The view from the balcony at The Ivory Rooms

My sweet little princess....

2011-03-01T12:47:00.005+11:00

I had to write this down. When I go out to the clothesline - Eb loves coming with me. She either hands me pegs or puts the pegs back BUT what she loves doing most of all is 'sweeping the back step'! it's so totally cute.

Another thing she is doing a lot these days is 'gathering'. Recently we had one of our 'rare' trips to McDonalds and I let her have a 'happy meal'. She loved the ring that came with the meal! Then she came home from school with the 'cups' of acorn shells. She also gets to choose something from the 'happy box' at school on Fridays. Last Friday it was a cute little highlighter pen.

So - each night they have to be lined up on her bedside table and each morning (even if it's 2 in the morning! she brings them all in with her). She leaves them in her room when she goes to school.....but otherwise they are very close at hand!

I just think it's too cute!

And one more thing - on Sunday Graham had to go away overnight and for the first time she cried when he left. I'm so relieved that there is a special bond forming between these two gorgeous people that make me whole.

I'm doing a photography course!

2011-02-27T22:26:00.005+11:00

I'm doing a course at the moment by Sheye Rosemeyer and I'm loving it more than words can express.

Below is my first 'submission'. It's a piece of me and I'm actually quite proud of it. We had to photograph something that made us 'soulhappy'.....

For so many years - through so much heartbreak.. .I believed for you.

Through a broken marrage then, in my current wonderful marrage - 4 miscarriages - numerous IVF attempts and more surgery than I could number if I cared to… I believed for you.

After the heartbreaking decision to have a full and complete hysterectomy in my early 40’s….I believed for you.

After giving up and letting go….I still believed for you.

After all the fears of the great world of Adoption.. .I believed for you.

Through all the invasiveness, paperwork, decisions, paperwork, study groups, paperwork, life stories, paperwork, social worker interviews, paperwork, letters, paperwork, stress, stress, stress…..I believed for you.

Through the horrible, long, drawn out wait…I still believed for you.

Then, like a miracle, we were told your details. Two days later we saw your photo - our darling Ebony Grace Huaxing. My world has never been the same. I slept with your photo under my pillow for the 7 weeks it took for us to be able to travel to you and finally, on Christmas Day 2006, you were placed in my arms - right beside my heart - where you had lived for so long.

You are my everything - you are my song - you are my joy - you are like an extension of me - you, sweetheart - you are my Soulhappy….

Sheye's critique...

sheye

Hi Jen

I will warn you in advanced, I don’t think this critique is going to flow in the usual fashion..after reading your incredibly beautiful words, my mind is all a jumble and I’m struggling to refocus. The description of your journey strikes such a familiar chord with me, I think that’s why I feel totally overwhelmed in replying to you. My heart literally hurts to read the beginning of your story, and bursts when I read the end. I am certain I could not be happier for you. Thank you for baring a part of your soul in sharing as you have.

Okay, so…ready, set, critique.

While I do see some areas of blown highlight in the background, it’s not impacting the image greatly as you still have lovely detail through Ebony. For me, I would go straight in with a crop to remove those highlights and to bring strength again to the image. Having placed Ebony in the first third of the frame, you’ve already created some strong visual interest and her positioning still works well in other formats. Here are some ideas for how I might try cropping:

I personally love the first, just because I think it would make a beautiful canvas and really bring the focus in on Ebony’s gorgeous face. The chair behind is a little distracting as it’s a strong element, so perhaps an alternative would be a slightly wider aperture giving a more shallow depth of field, resulting in greater background blur. Another alternative might be to try a black and white conversion which has the ability to bring focus right in on a subject. Just as a side note, I’d probably never crop in this tightly - I’d be losing far too many valuable pixels and quality would deteriorate dramatically. In a session, I’d be likely to actually shoot the three frames you see below (well the middle one would be a crop from a landscape format) and see what looked best.

This second edit is a sqaure crop which still works quite nicely and removes those pesky highlights while showing off her pretty dress.

The third is just a portrait crop. I took this opportunity to tone down the bright orange areas in her dress which are causing color casts on her skin. It’s not a great job of it, I’ve ended up a little pastier than I meant to but you get the idea.. Be aware that anything magenta or orange has a strong likelyhood of doing this when shooting in bright light. (Umbrellas are the worst!).

I think you did a great job of your settings Jen, even if you are feeling overwhelmed and confused. It’s actually testament to how well you’re doing if you can take this image while feeling like things haven’t quite clicked yet. You have a great attitude and it will see you move ahead in leaps and bounds..just keep taking little steps forward, don’t give up, and the more images you take the easier it gets. Then one day, you do just ‘get it’. I promise!

Thank you so much for sharing your soulhappy.

Sheye xx

5.5

2011-02-20T22:25:00.003+11:00

My girl is now 5 1/2. Time has gone much faster than I ever wanted it to - but it's ok. I'm just loving this little, gorgeous, scrumptious girl that I get to do life with.

Eb is growing up so, so fast now that school is part of her everyday. I really can't believe the changes that have happened. I thought the growth in the last term of kinder was huge....this beats that hands down and it's only been a few short weeks. Conversations are getting far deeper - questions are getting FAR more frequent. She is really enjoying her days at school (once I go!).....and she is understanding so much more.

Earlier this week she woke quite early and came in to lay with me. She sat there and pointed to her mouth and said 'm-m-m mouth / (pointing) n-n-n nose / (pointing) e-e-ears'. So cute, I smiled with tears in my eyes as I listened.

She so easily just says 'I love you mummy'. Something I've waited so long to hear. She loves cuddles with mummy and we really are great pals.

I still haven't had one single night apart from her - and I'm not in any hurry. That time will come all too soon.

It's been such a wonderful journey and I know it's going to get better and better as we grow together. I'm so glad I take the time to observe and enjoy the special...and not so special moments - they are all part of who she is and I really do adore my little princess.

Just some facts ....
* Eb is now 113cm (so has grown 4cm's in 6 months!)
* She weighs around 18.5 kg's

....and some funny/notable ones from the past 6 months....
* Finally after many, MANY attempts she was able to open the car door herself (12/10) (with much glee!)
* Said 'I got a hegache mummy' (22/10) when walking back to pick up my car from detailing
* 'I walked 10 dilometers mummy' (22/10)
* Rode to kinder (4km on 20/10) without complaint
* When drawing (herself) on a card Ebony asked for a black pen 'because I have black hair mummy' (16/11)
* today is the first time Ebony has drawn a person and not had their arms and legs coming out of their head! They came out of a 'body'! (17/11)
* When I sent to bed I noticed that Eb hadn't packed away all her toys like I had asked her to - when I showed her in the morning she said ' oh, never mind mummy'! (26/11)
* After taking of her 'santa' outfit for our Christmas photo shoot - she says 'now I cumtable mummy' (it scratches her and sadly is very unpleasant for her!) 26/11
* For the first time ever I heard Eb talking in her room first thing in the morning rather than her coming out...which she does all the time now. When I went in she was in bed with books and toys! now that's a first :) (30/11/10)
* Came out this morning with her guitar and microphone singing 'rise and shine' :) (16/12/10)

She also moved from her much loved car seat into a big girl booster.I found this really hard. We bought it before we even knew who she would be - and because she was 16 months old when we arrived back in Australia - it was always in this position (never facing backwards). I remember the first time we put her in it for the journey home from the Airport. I had been told many of the children who have come home from China (and are in no way used to the restriction of a car seat) will scream when they are belted in - well not our baby girl! She slept :)

so it's goodbye car seat of many memories.....I'm passing you on to a dear friend here in Mt Beauty and I'm just so glad someone wants you - I couldn't have bared to throw you out!

A new grandson for Graham!

2011-02-20T20:50:00.000+11:00

Graham's daughter - Kimberley and her husband Michael - are finally parents! It's been a long road for Kim because she suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis. She has bravely fought the fight and won. She is now a mummy to a gorgeous little boy - James Edward. We both look forward to meeting this little man in May if not before xxx

A new grandson for Graham!

2011-02-20T20:38:00.000+11:00

Graham's daughter - Kimberley and her husband Michael - are finally parents! It's been a long road for Kim because she suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis. She has fought the fight and one! She is now a mummy to a gorgeous little boy - James Edward. We both look forward to meeting this little man!

Mary Poppins and darling Ming!

2011-02-20T20:09:00.000+11:00

Sadly very few photo's (because I wasn't allowed to take them!) but such a great night. It was a bit stressful getting there for you and I because of when we left home - when we arrived in Melbourne and an accident on the freeway - but we got to Ruth and Chris's in time to get changed and get in time for some dinner with Di, Renee and Jess and then enjoy a wonderful night at Mary Poppins. Sadly, just after intermission you asked for snugly (which silly me didn't bring)! You were really just too tired (we went to the 8pm session) and you fell asleep in the car on the way home and transferred to Mei's bed very easily!

and some great fun with Eb's boy China buddy Ming!

Not something you see very often!

2011-02-13T20:04:00.000+11:00

A baby dragon-lizard!

Bike riding update!

2011-02-12T19:19:00.000+11:00

One week of school over

2011-02-11T22:28:00.013+11:00

Gosh - a week has gone already...why does time pass so quickly.
A week ago today we were celebrating Chinese New Year and I was looking back on your very first day at Kinder.
You did so well honey - but gee you struggled.
I knew in my heart that you would.
I had prepared you as best I could....but 3 out of 4 kinder terms you struggled so I just knew the likelihood was that you would struggle today.
You were so excited at home and in the car. I watched you and knew what most likely lay ahead...but I was excited with you...praying it would all go well.
We got to school and the first signs of uncertainty started.
I took you into class (with Daddy of course!) and you were clinging to Daddy like there was no tomorrow......for some reason you had your heart set that Daddy was staying with you.
Then it was time to line up and you wanted Mummy. I had already had a chat with Mrs. Rutherford and she had said it was ok to come in for a few minutes....but the Literacy Aide ended up taking over (in a positive way) and you were whisked away...in tears.
Not a nice way to say goodbye and not a nice picture to have in my head.
I cried and then some of us Mums met at Svarmisk for a hot drink. You were the only one that cried! I felt so sad inside but prayed you would be ok.
While I was at Svarmisk - I got a call from school. My heart stopped when I heard who it was...but it was to say you were ok but that one of your new shoes had broken! I was glad because in the end it meant that I got to see you again and you were basically happy to see me and to let me go! At least the picture I had in my heart for the rest of the day was a happier one.
Picking you up was so much fun and I don't think I've been happier to see you and hug you for a long time!

Monday was similar - but I knew you would be ok...so was Tuesday really...maybe not quite as good. Tuesday night was awful! I picked you up and for some reason you had it in your head that we would go out for dinner (like we had the previous night with Jade's mummy). Jade must have said something and you absolutely believed it was true. For the first time ever I became the enemy and you were SO cross with me. You even said I could stay home and you and Daddy would go out!....now that's a first!
You cried all the way to Mt Beauty shops - wouldn't come into the Bank or the grocer...so I had to leave you in the car with the air conditioner on (and where you were visable!) while I did what I had to.
On the way home you had settled a little and wanted to talk about why I didn't want to go out...I said we'd talk about it at home. When we got home I cooled you down and changed you out of your uniform and we sat on my bed and chatted. You seemed to come around a bit. I then unpacked your bag to find that all you had eaten all day was a Nectarine and only about 2cm's of water. No wonder you were feeling horrible! I felt so protective of you and was, momentarily, cross with the School.
Next day was a day off (after you slept a solid 12 hours) and you were such a happy girl.
Thursday I spoke with the teacher and she was horrified and said she would watch you and make sure you had water close by. All that has improved.
You were still upset when I left Thursday morning...but today! well today I encouraged you to go and play with Sarah and Jade and you left with an (uncertain) smile...but a smile and a wave. My heart leapt with joy. I was, and still am, so happy for you sweetheart.
It will happen - you will find your way.
Mrs. Rutherford says you are very social and love playing......that doesn't surprise me!
I love you honey....you are changing.....you are learning....your wings are starting to move!

ready for the big day....

...excited and ready....

....at School and still excited!

....my Daddy is still here - so I'm still happy!

....then the uncertainty began.....

...and continued...

Day Two and we're still happy to go...

and finally - a video to enjoy of that very first morning....

now who knows what next week will hold :)

Two very cute video's!

2011-02-11T18:49:00.000+11:00

Out to dinner

2011-02-07T21:30:00.000+11:00

then we had dinner out on your second day of school! just the way the cards fell with one of the other mum's birthdays. You sure didn't mind!

Off to a party...

2011-02-05T18:25:00.000+11:00

Yesterday - 1st day of school - was the twins Erin and Isaac's birthdays and we were invited so dressed up and ready to go you were!...

Chinese New Year 2011

2011-02-04T22:07:00.001+11:00

...and we took you over to Bright because this year the Chinese Restaurant is open! yipee!
We had a lovely night - low key - but lovely. So glad we went and you had lots of fun!

First dance for 2011

2011-02-04T18:13:00.000+11:00

We are really back into it now! - First day of school today, followed by first dance followed by Chinese New Year celebrations in Bright!

It's been fun though and here's a sneak peak of dance.... (iPhone inside = no good image!)

Goodbye to my kinder girl

2011-02-03T22:50:00.001+11:00

Sweet Ebony - my darling precious little girl. Tonight I have such a heavy heart as I try to prepare for all tomorrow will hold.
I have no idea where the last 4 years have gone - but they have and tomorrow I begin the process of a different kind of letting go to any other I have ever had to do.
From tomorrow I will no longer be as bigger influence in your life - and I have real heaviness about it - but I also know it has to happen.
I don't know that you are necessarily fully ready - but the way the cards have fallen it's definitely the best way for us to go....for you to go. Holding you back another year would only make it harder anyway. I pray we've made the right decision. I pray that you settle well and really enjoy school.

You have been my little 'best buddy' for the past 4 years. We have grown together in many ways and I will so miss your chatter and your 'huggles' during the day.

I wish you great happiness - good friends - fun learning.....and tonight I give you the beginning of the wings that I pray will take you to be all your little heart wants out of this world.

Love always....Mummy

Erin's visit

2011-02-02T16:57:00.001+11:00

Erin came for a visit today and you two had so much fun just being gorgeous little girls!....

Sleepy head

2011-02-01T21:53:00.000+11:00

Sleep soundly my little princess - with your snuggly close by and Suixi bear entwined in your arms. Only a few more sleeps and life is going to change so much for both of us. I love you to the moon and back sweetheart xxx

Some friends to play with!

2011-01-31T16:46:00.000+11:00

You are enjoying playing with hair so much at the moment. Here you've taken on 'Gabi' and "Suixi bear' and had lots of fun doing their 'hair'! Too cute I say....

Wandi Pub and Bright river

2011-01-29T16:28:00.004+11:00

We ventured to Wandiligong today to observe the auction of an old Church. It was really interesting...and got passed in - but it was a fun thing to do.

After it finished we decided to go to the Wandiligong Pub - which is quite renowned in the area. It was our first meal there and I'm quite sure it won't be our last - it was really lovely and we had a great time....and so did you!

After lunch we headed to the river at Bright and you and I had some fun times coming down the river on the lilo.

Finally off training wheels

2011-01-27T20:23:00.001+11:00

You have really resisted having your training wheels off - but this time it finally clicked and you had so much fun. We took you down to the oval near the primary school in Mt Beauty and here's the evidence of the fun you had!

Then it was King Valley for 5 days

2011-01-26T20:29:00.000+11:00

Wow - it's been a busy time...but that's what holidays are for - especially when they are the holidays before school starts (oh boy am I ever NOT ready for that!).

Anyway - you and I arrived home from Waratah Bay Thursday and headed off to King Valley to join Uncle Mark, Aunty Bern, Beccy and Lizzie for 5 nights of fun. This was the first time they had been to KV and it was such a lovely relaxing time. Mark, particularly, chilled out! We played, made cards, went for walk, swam, ate and watched a bit of TV (and a great lightening show!). It was a lovely time spent together and we both look forward to the next time.

Here we are down the river having some family fun!

and a sweet Mummy/daughter capture by Aunty Bernie......

I took the girls for a bit of a walk for some exercise and photography fun....

Love this one of Lizzie...

Then it was an early morning photo or two...

I found out about Paradise Falls this trip - they were amazing - especially after all the rain. They would probably not even be running at this time of year normally. Here are the girls in the cave area behind the falls

Eb and Lizzie having a huggle as they make their way around all the rock pools

Love this one of Beccy...

The actual falls taken from below and behind

The cave structure we were standing in

Back on the trail looking back toward the waterfalls

Some fun outside play

and inside!

Waratah Bay

2011-01-22T23:44:00.002+11:00

Ruth invited us down to Waratah Bay to spend some time with her, Mei and Devonte.

We had a lovely 4 nights and days. Some down the beach, some driving around and some just at home. The views from their balcony are amazing and Ruth and I sat out most nights...even if we had a rug on....and enjoyed watching the sun go down and the moon come up.

The girls, of course, played really well - and Eb was so cute with Devonte...taking him by the hand and watching out for him - I was very proud of her.

two girls in the garden....

...and then drawing

darling Master D

two little friends going for a walk together

.....and getting up to some mischievous fun...
....by whispering

...and giggling

Eb looking out for Master D

...the views from the balcony

some footage of Ebony caring for Devonte

and the children chasing seagulls

Pa's 80th

2011-01-16T22:15:00.001+11:00

Your Daddy's Dad - Pa - turned 80 so we went to Alexandra for the celebration. We got there just a little late - but not too late for some celebrating. You had a lovely time being social with others. It was incredibly hot and the air-conditioner that had been installed that day wasn't working!...anyway we all coped and here's the evidence of the evening.....

...the cake

...the Pa

....one little chocolate faced daughter and a proud Pa look...

...and the morning after - playing with 'Captain'

First swimming lessons for 2011

2011-01-16T12:54:00.001+11:00

Did you want to do swimming??? - not particularly :(
You really don't like the water a lot - but you did it. 5 days (at only 3/4ers of an hour per day)
I thought I would document this time - even though there's not much more to say.
You are doing great - but I really need to concentrate more on swimming this year! You are in with the littlies xx

A lovely visit from Ruby and her daddy

2011-01-13T13:12:00.001+11:00

When I told you Ruby was coming to stay you were so excited! You two seem to play so beautifully together and have so much fun. They only stayed a couple of nights - but we squeezed in a trip to Albury - just Ruby, her Dad, you and I. .....and we made sure that Ruby and her Daddy got to experience Albury's famous Thai restaurant and we all loved it!

these were taken at the Thai Restaurant...

First camping trip for 2011

2011-01-11T18:36:00.005+11:00

It's so funny the way things happen. We managed to get away from home at a decent hour for once!!!! and then we had drama after drama trying to find a campsite! I'm a bit fussy because I like to be 'on our own' and not in amongst the crowds. We had planned to stop about an hour and a 1/2 from home and ended up traveling almost 4 hours because EVERY campsite we came to was full! It got to the stage where Graham was pulling the car over and I would trek down to the river to see if a site was free - which it never was!

When we finally found a site in a communal area - we were parked right beside two girls camping so we pointed the camper trailer in an odd position so we wouldn't impose on them. You can imagine my thoughts when EVERY SINGLE other campsite went home the next morning! We weren't changing our location - but I've learned that you just don't camp the weekend after New Year!

Anyway - we had a lovely time in the end - just the 3 of us. Beautiful weather - 3 nights - gorgeous meals (I even did a lamb roast one night!). It was great. Graham caught a few fish and Ebony loved being near the water...but still not too much time in it! I ended up sitting on the 'banana lounge' near the water (it got quite hot) and relaxed and read and had a lovely time!

Here's some photo's of our trip....

Well...she did get in a bit!

and here's one of the fish...

A view of our campsite from the road...yes that is a shower and it was it's first to and I loved it!

bubbles were a favorite!

and I love these few taken amongst the wildflowers...the first one Ebony is actually trying to catch a grasshopper for daddy...

and here she is holding one daddy caught...

I love this one.....

Eb was enthralled by the caterpillars...

and had lots of fun glitter painting...

and even got to watch a dvd while Mummy had a relaxing read and Daddy had a fish!

and some fun video's !

A trip over to Bright

2011-01-05T14:23:00.000+11:00

Today my friend Susan and I decided to take you and Sarah over to Bright for a bit of fun on the playground and in the water. You certainly don't seem to be much of a water baby! You love the playground - but you're not at all keen on being in the water!

love this photo - but why oh why didn't I fix that bit of hair!!!

sweet Susan pushing you and you loved it! ....the swing is still your favorite!

you and Sarah having fun..

and I think on the bridge was the closest you came to the water!

January 1st, 2011

2011-01-01T23:35:00.000+11:00

Well another new year - 4 years now that Ebony has been with us - gosh how time has flown and gosh how she has grown.

To celebrate today I decided to attempt to do a big family photo shoot before everyone headed home. Here's the results...

first the three littlest girls..

then my five beautiful nieces... ooops! 4 nieces and 1 daughter actually :)

then me and my siblings...

my siblings and my Dad and Mum...

us...

my sister and her two girls...

my brother and his family....

The whole clan!

and the two who made it all possible!

and then it was some fun at the beach!

...just for a bit of fun on the last day of the year!

2010-12-31T11:22:00.001+11:00

Just a bit of a fun photo shoot and then the gingerbread house we all did together!

The girls having some fun dancing....

2010-12-29T10:30:00.000+11:00

Then it was time to celebrate with family

2010-12-27T21:47:00.003+11:00

Today we arrived in Lakes Entrance and it was so lovely to be together with the whole family. Eb was straight into it as soon as we arrived and loved time with the girls. I just loved time with my siblings and mum and dad! Here's some photo of the fun that was ...2 days after Christmas!

so lovely to see Eb finally giving hugs!

and the 'cake' I made...it was yummy but naughty!

and lastly a little video of Eb and Lizzie enjoying a Christmas themed thingy on Mum's laptop...